Designed to demonstrate the large amounts of advanced technology that the companies now regularly supply to the biggest musicals in their respective areas - stage lighting and control (White Light), automated lighting (The Moving Light Company), stage automation including the Pathway performer flying system which had won a PLASA Award of Excellence the day before the event (Stage Technologies) and sound and communications design and installation (Autograph), the tour was enjoyed by an invited audience that included theatre consultants, production managers, international visitors to the PLASA Show and writers working for the technical theatre press.
The guests were introduced to the show by its Tony-award winning designer, Bob Crowley, before being shown some of the technical highlights. Tours of the theatre then allowed visitors to explore the Theatre Royal while finding out more about different aspects of the production from members of the show's resident and production staff. Representatives from other suppliers to the show, including Strand Lighting and Howard Eaton Lighting Limited, were also on hand to answer questions. A number of visitors then stayed on to enjoy the magic of the technology 'in action' at the evening's performance.
The open day was a great success, with many of the guests who are involved with theatre but not directly with putting on shows commenting with surprise on the technology required by today's major musicals - technology which White Light and the other suppliers ensure will soon become available to productions of all types and scales.
The Witches of Eastwick is produced by Cameron Mackintosh Limited, directed by Eric Shaeffer with designs by Bob Crowley, lighting by Howard Harrison and sound by Andrew Bruce. It opened at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane on July 18th. In addition to The Witches of Eastwick, White Light and The Moving Light Company are supplying equipment to the new musicals Napoleon and The Beautiful Game as well as many other plays and musicals in London and on tour around the UK.